What makes a good leader? Since the word 'good' is subjective in the first place, there are many definitions to that. In my opinion, a leader is a reflection of the conditions of his/her team. In other words, how well a team is doing ( both inwardly and outwardly) depends on the leader. A 'good' leader should create an 'environment' where members can fearlessly make mistakes and willingly learn from them. In the case where mistakes are unpardonable, creative juice runs dry.. And it's not due to members being dull but rather too afraid to think out of the box.
Too many a times, we see members doing things out of the fear of their leaders instead of doing them simply because they want to.. and it makes me wonder if this is 'heathly' cos in the long run, things may turn ugly..

A good leader doesn't have to make him/herself distinguish from the rest and be treated as the 'high and mighty' cos members will naturally respect the leader and carry out his/her instructions cheerfully without viewing them as commandments.. However there is only so much a leader can do, to be able make a big significance, it largely depends on the combined contribution of individuals. Thus, it's not always 'I want it my way' but rather 'What can I do for them'..

I have many leaders in my life, be it in school or church. But one leader stands out most distinguishly and that is JinLian. And while writing the above I was actually referring to her.. (I mean all the good points la. Haha) She's not authoritative, yet people under her will do what she says without being compelled to do so.. She is strict when required to but her members know that she does that only because she wants us to learn.. She doesn't mind that we tease her or 'play' with her and that will make us feel at ease with her..

So in my opinion, she's my definition of a good leader. =)